Barbara Baker- Cotten

Mrs. Barbara Arlece Baker-Cotten, 65, the daughter of William Harrison Baker and Scenia Edith Baker (Wheeler), of Elberon, Virginia, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 27^th, 2016. She was born on October 9^th, 1951 in Nansemond County and raised in Smithfield Virginia where she attended Westside Elementary and Smithfield High School. Barbara sought a better life and headed north to Newark, N.J. where she would spend the greater part of her young adult life. She graduated from C.M.D.S. School of Practical Nursing, amongst the top of her class in 1976, where she received her degree. She began her career in geriatrics because of her love for the elderly. She would, later, develop a passion for dialysis care after witnessing her father struggle with kidney disease. For the remainder of her career, she would maintain a devotion and dedication to the care of "her patients" like no other. Barbara would, in essence, adopt her patients and would make them a part of her family. The care she wished she could have given her father. Her dedication to making the lives of "her family" better did not rest with just the wonderful people she cared for professionally, but with all the people that had the privilege of meeting her. She possessed a desire to, simply, help anyone who needed it. This mission, of sorts, allowed her to touch the hearts of many throughout her lifetime. Barbara was a devoted member of New Bethany Christian Church UCC in Smithfield, Va. and was very active in the functioning of the church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher and as its Superintendent at one time, New Members Instructor, Pastoral Church Committee, Pastor's Aid, head of the Christian Education Dept., the Women's Ministry, and when she wasn't busy, she volunteered for the Christian Outreach Ministry delivering food. She also played an integral part in a program, initiated at New Bethany, to feed children during the Summer Breaks. She also, personally, made sure that the "young'uns" of New Bethany had school supplies when school started. In addition, she was a donor to several charities; most notably, Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Tidewater) because she was a proud breast cancer survivor and The National Kidney Foundation. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted friend, confidant, husband, and greatest love; Joseph Cotten Jr., her son, Bryan Baker, her daughter, Stephanie Baker-Hill (Vincent), her sister Ina Parker (Edward), brothers; Vincent Baker, Stacey Baker (Tina), Antonio Baker her step-daughters, Turkessa Cotten (Jerry), and Jacqueline Cotten, and step-son, Dwayne Cotten, , grand-daughter; Shanae Kelly (Genesis), grandson, Byron Hysko, three great-grandchildren, seven nephews, five nieces, several great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends in Christ (her "Divas"), and a host of dear friends and extended family. A home going service will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016, 11:00 am at Main Street Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 4pm - 7pm at the chapel. Interment will be in the Christian Home Baptist Church cemetery, Windsor, Va. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date November 3, 2016

A home going service will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016, 11:00 am at Main Street Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 4pm - 7pm at the chapel. Interment will be in the Christian Home Baptist Church cemetery, Windsor, Va. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.